RELATED ARTICLES

San Francisco - Amazon.com on Wednesday introduced a waterproof Kindle e-reader long-awaited by enthusiasts, the latest in a string of consumer devices from the online retail giant this year.

The device, an updated version of the Kindle Oasis, has a faster 4G wireless connection, six-week battery life, and a brighter 7-inch screen, slightly larger than the previous model.

Waterproofing has long been an omission on Kindle e-readers, and will now let people read at the beach or in the bath tub without worrying about damage, Amazon said.

The 4G internet functionality means users will be able to download books more quickly than on the previous 3G version. The new model also has Bluetooth and integrates with Amazon’s Audible service to stream audio books to wireless headphones or speakers.

The 4G version costs $350 and includes 32 GB of storage. The base model - without 4G capability and with 8 GB of storage - costs $250.

It’s been an unusually packed year for Amazon gadgets. Last month, the company introduced several new Echo speakers and rolled out refreshed tablets. Amazon also launched the Echo Show, with a screen, and an Echo Look that gives style suggestions.

Amazon announced in a statement on Wednesday that the Kindle Oasis will be available to pre-order globally.